‘The Belongil’ by renowned Australian chef and restaurateur Shannon Bennett has been unveiled at 33-35 Childe Street, Byron Bay. It includes four unique venues – Feu, The Bistro, Blind Tiger & the Kiosk.
Organisers say the venue will open before Christmas – early December – ready for a Byron summer.
In a media release, they say it will be a ‘landmark coastal dining precinct poised to redefine Australian hospitality through a multi-venue, experience-led offering unlike anything seen before.’
‘Bennett has partnered with his neighbour Glen Norman, and together their shared investment in people, place, and materials has already surpassed $10 million. Their architecture, and gastronomy into a singular vision.
‘A dream-like collision of memory, texture, and place, The Belongil transforms the familiar act of dining into something immersive and emotive. It is conceived as a reimagining of coastal luxury across every level of hospitality but is also a place where everyone belongs.
‘The Belongil celebrates inclusivity. From the local passerby stopping for takeaway coffee at the Kiosk, to those seeking a once-a-year fine dining experience at Feu, each concept reflects Bennett’s belief that true hospitality should connect and inspire the entire community.
‘The Belongil is about the intersection of food, design, and emotion. It is a place where every detail, from the cutlery to the wall art, tells part of the story,’ says Bennett. ‘We wanted to create something that feels intimate and inspired, but distinctly Australian’.
‘An example of this is our collaboration with Song for the Mute. We’ve banned the word ‘uniforms.’ Instead, every team member is dressed uniquely, in clothes that make them feel confident and empowered. When the season changes, they keep their outfits. This is a small but important thank you for being part of our team.’
The four venues in detail
‘FEU – A fine-dining experience conceived as a total work of art, where the line between architecture, cuisine, and emotion disappears. “Every ingredient on this menu has a story and we’ve stood in the dirt, by the ocean, or in the shed with the people who make it possible. We know them, we trust them, and we want you to taste that connection, all cooked over local yellow box timber until it turns to charcoal. Somewhere along the way, fixed set menus took over – kitchens became complacent, and diner’s passive. This is our answer: a return to curiosity, instinct, and trust.’ Bennett explains.
‘The Bistro – A refined return to the social bistro, designed for long lunches, lazy brunches, and golden-hour gatherings. Locals treat it like their living room; travellers never want to leave. Every surface and scent tells a story – crafted from reclaimed materials, shaped by community, and grounded in sustainability. A place where aspiration meets ease, refinement meets rawness, and every detail whispers joy.
‘Blind Tiger (Members Bar) – The name originates from 19th-century America, where “Blind Tiger” described secret speakeasies that dodged prohibition laws.
‘Here in Byron Bay, once a whaling station and now a sanctuary for migrating whales, that same spirit of change and freedom lives on. Built around a 300-year-old Japanese temple painstakingly relocated and rebuilt by hand, Blind Tiger is a hidden sanctuary inspired by Bennett and Norman’s shared love of music, craftsmanship, and connection. A private space where friends gather, without social media or cameras, to share stories and spirits from one of the world’s finest whisky and cocktail collections.
‘The Kiosk – High-end simplicity meets beach culture. A streetside outpost where barefoot ease pairs with quietly elevated fare. From coffee at sunrise to salt crusted snacks at noon, The Kiosk embodies coastal living’.
For more info visit http://belongilgroup.com/
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